Nicaragua: Sustainable International Community Development
Program Filled; Applications no longer being accepted
- Term: Summer
- Travel Dates: June 22 – July 23, 2013
- Credits: 12
- Faculty: Dr. Richard White, USP
This summer program in Nicaragua offers a four-week traveling seminar open to 6-8 upper-division students from any major (preference will be given Community Development majors and minors, and to International Development majors). Students will spend the first week in Esteli attending language school in the mornings; afternoons observing and interviewing participants of local sustainable community development initiatives, organizations, and business ventures; evenings will be spent with host families and occasional group dinner conversations with invited guests. Following the first week, students will retreat for the weekend to Eco-Posada Tisey for reflection and discussion. During the next two weeks, students will return to Managua, travel to La China, Matagalpa, San Ramon, El Plomo, and La Regina to continue the observation and interview process. Week four students will work with either Habitar Community Development of Esperanza en Accion artisan cooperative both in Managua. Students will earn a total of 12 credits (4 credits for the traveling seminar – USP 407; 6 credits for the practicum – USP 409; and, 2 credits for the post-trip independent study – USP 401).
Draft Itinerary:
- The seminar will require participation in weekly team meetings with extensive reading prior to departure (in conjunction with the prerequisite, USP 317, during Spring term).
- International Component: June 22 – July 23, 2013
While in Nicaragua, students will be required to keep a personal journal, a field notebook, participate in all seminars and activities, and complete an integrating written assignment for both USP 407 and USP 409.
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The post-return Independent Study (USP 401). Students are required to conduct in-depth research on some aspect of their traveling seminar (e.g. micro-enterprise, health promotion, community capacity building) and synthesize it with their experience in Nicaragua. Students are required to complete all three components of the program in order to receive credit for any one component.
Program Focus
Course information:
- USP 407: International Community Development Field Seminar – 4 credits
- USP 409: International Community Development Practicum – 6 credits
- USP 401: International Community Development Independent Study – 2 credits
Program costs:
| Program Fees & Tuition | Additional Estimated Costs | Total Estimated Costs |
|---|---|---|
| $3,100 – 3,500 | est. $820 | est. $3,920 – 4,320 |
Program Faculty
Professor Richard White, PSU School of Urban Studies and Planning
Professor White teaches Community Development and International Community Development courses for the Nohad Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning as well as PSU’s University Studies Program. Richard’s research interests include urban social structure, social justice, community organization and development, international community development, and urban faith-based organizations.
Program Duration
Relevant Academic Disciplines
Community Development, Foreign Languages, Globalization, International Studies, Latin American Studies, Social Science, Sociology, Urban Studies and Planning
Program Provider
Pre-Requisites
- Open to students from all majors, but preference given to Community Development majors.
- GPA 2.75 or above
- Sophomore standing or above
- Knowledge of Spanish is helpful but not required. Translation will be provided.
- Completed USP 317 Introduction to International Community Development (offered Spring term)
Language Skill: None